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Regional Occupational Therapist - Job Opportunity at Nua Healthcare

Longford, Ireland
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 25, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 35,000 - EUR 45,000 annually based on Irish public sector pay scales and private healthcare sector benchmarks for mid-level occupational therapists in disability services, with potential for progression to senior grades (EUR 50,000+) within 3-5 years depending on specialization and leadership responsibilities

Benefits

Comprehensive company pension scheme providing long-term financial security beyond industry standards
Structured comprehensive induction process ensuring smooth integration and reduced time-to-productivity
Continuous professional development investment demonstrating commitment to career advancement
Accelerated career progression opportunities within expanding healthcare network
Life assurance and death-in-service benefits providing family financial protection
Enhanced paid maternity and paternity leave exceeding statutory requirements
Educational assistance program supporting advanced qualifications and specializations
Employee assistance program providing mental health and wellness support
Bike-to-work scheme promoting sustainable commuting with tax benefits
Employee referral and retention bonuses recognizing talent acquisition contributions
Nationwide retail discount network providing cost-of-living support
Hybrid working model offering flexibility and work-life balance optimization

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive occupational therapy caseload management for diverse client population including children and adults with complex needs, directly impacting quality of life outcomes and service delivery excellence
Drive interdisciplinary collaboration with senior clinical professionals including consultant psychiatrists and behavior specialists to develop and implement person-centered treatment strategies that enhance service user independence
Conduct strategic environmental assessments and modifications to optimize accessibility and therapeutic outcomes, directly contributing to regulatory compliance and service quality metrics
Execute advanced postural support evaluations and complex seating assessments that prevent secondary complications and improve long-term health outcomes for service users
Implement evidence-based sensory processing interventions that reduce challenging behaviors and improve daily functioning across residential and community settings
Facilitate critical transition support for hospitalized service users, ensuring continuity of care and reducing readmission risks through comprehensive discharge planning
Design and deliver specialized group therapy programs that maximize resource efficiency while addressing individual therapeutic goals and promoting community integration
Produce detailed clinical documentation and reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting funding applications and service development
Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to occupational therapy students, contributing to professional development and future workforce capacity
Champion quality improvement initiatives through participation in strategic planning and best practice implementation, directly influencing departmental growth and service enhancement

Requirements

Education

Hold a Degree/Masters in Occupational Therapy from a 3rd level institution offering a programme of study accredited by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists

Experience

Post-qualification work experience as an Occupational Therapist within disability services/mental health services

Required Skills

Strong leadership skills Strong problem-solving skills and judgement Have excellent communication and team-working skills Have excellent time management skills and the ability to work in a self-directed manner in a dynamic fast paced environment Knowledge of individual care planning and experience contributing to individual risk assessment Experience in the implementation of sensory integration approaches with a recognised sensory integration course completed

Certifications

Be registered with CORU or show proof of pending registration at application stage Evidence of a commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) Recognised sensory integration course completed
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The disability services sector in Ireland is experiencing significant expansion driven by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 and subsequent policy developments, creating increased demand for specialized occupational therapy services across residential and community-based settings. This growth is particularly pronounced in autism and intellectual disability services, where person-centered approaches and interdisciplinary care models are becoming the gold standard. Digital health integration and telehealth capabilities are becoming increasingly important in occupational therapy practice, especially following COVID-19 adaptations. Organizations are investing in hybrid service delivery models that combine in-person interventions with remote consultation and monitoring capabilities, requiring therapists to develop new technological competencies alongside traditional clinical skills. There is a growing emphasis on evidence-based practice and outcome measurement in disability services, driven by regulatory requirements from HIQA and the Mental Health Commission. This trend is creating demand for occupational therapists who can not only deliver clinical interventions but also contribute to quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate measurable impact on service user outcomes.

Role Significance

Likely working within a multidisciplinary team of 8-12 professionals including consultant psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, behavior specialists, and various therapy disciplines, with direct collaboration responsibilities across multiple service locations and potential supervision of 2-3 students or junior staff members annually.
This is a mid-level position with significant autonomy and regional responsibility, requiring independent caseload management and clinical decision-making. The role carries substantial influence within the multidisciplinary team structure and includes supervisory responsibilities for students, indicating a pathway toward senior clinical or management positions within the organization.

Key Projects

Implementation of sensory integration programs across multiple residential facilities requiring standardization of assessment protocols and staff training initiatives Development of transition planning protocols for service users moving between care settings, involving coordination with external agencies and family members Quality improvement projects focused on outcome measurement and evidence-based practice implementation to meet regulatory standards and improve service delivery metrics

Success Factors

Demonstrated expertise in sensory integration approaches and complex needs assessment, as this specialization is critical for the diverse client population and represents a competitive advantage in the current market where such skills are in high demand Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills and ability to influence clinical decision-making across multiple professional disciplines, as the role requires coordination with senior clinicians and external stakeholders to achieve optimal outcomes Adaptability to hybrid working models and technology integration, as the healthcare sector continues to evolve toward flexible service delivery methods that combine traditional face-to-face interventions with innovative remote support approaches Cultural competency and person-centered approach to care delivery, particularly important in the Irish context where there is increasing emphasis on individual choice and community integration for people with disabilities

Market Demand

High demand driven by sector expansion, aging population, increased autism diagnoses, and policy emphasis on community-based care models, with particular shortages in rural and regional areas creating competitive advantages for qualified candidates

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Sensory integration expertise is absolutely essential as this specialization directly addresses the core needs of the client population and represents a significant competitive advantage in the current market where such qualified professionals are scarce. This skill set commands premium compensation and opens doors to specialized career paths including consultation and training roles. Leadership and clinical supervision capabilities are crucial for success in this role given the responsibility for student supervision and interdisciplinary team coordination. These skills are fundamental for career progression into senior clinical or management positions and distinguish successful candidates in a competitive job market. Risk assessment and care planning expertise is critical given the complex needs of the client population and regulatory requirements from HIQA and the Mental Health Commission. These skills ensure both client safety and organizational compliance, making them indispensable for professional success and career advancement.

Beneficial Skills

Digital health and telehealth competencies would provide significant advantages as the healthcare sector continues to integrate technology into service delivery models, particularly valuable for hybrid working arrangements and remote consultation capabilities Research and quality improvement skills would enhance career prospects given the increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice and outcome measurement in disability services, potentially leading to specialized roles in clinical research or service development Project management and change management capabilities would be highly valuable given the organization's expansion phase and the need for service development and standardization across multiple locations

Unique Aspects

The regional scope of this position offers exceptional variety and professional challenge, requiring service delivery across multiple facility types and client populations, providing accelerated experience development compared to single-site positions
Hybrid working arrangement is relatively uncommon in occupational therapy roles within disability services, offering significant work-life balance advantages and reduced travel time while maintaining essential hands-on clinical work
Direct involvement in organizational expansion and service development provides unique opportunity to influence clinical practices and service delivery models from the ground up, offering entrepreneurial experience within an established healthcare organization
Comprehensive interdisciplinary team structure including consultant psychiatrists and specialized behavior analysts represents a premium clinical environment that enhances professional development and clinical reasoning skills

Career Growth

Progression to senior clinical roles typically occurs within 3-5 years with demonstrated competency and additional specialization, while management track positions may be achievable within 5-7 years depending on organizational growth and individual professional development investments

Potential Next Roles

Senior Occupational Therapist with expanded regional responsibilities and team leadership duties, typically involving strategic service development and clinical governance responsibilities Clinical Specialist in areas such as sensory integration, assistive technology, or autism services, requiring advanced training and specialization that can command premium compensation Service Manager or Clinical Lead positions combining clinical expertise with operational management responsibilities, often leading to departmental leadership roles within 5-7 years Independent consultant or private practice opportunities, particularly in specialized areas like sensory integration or complex needs assessment, leveraging the comprehensive experience gained in this role

Company Overview

Nua Healthcare

Nua Healthcare Services operates as a significant private provider in the Irish disability services sector, offering specialized residential, respite, and day services across multiple counties. The organization has established itself as a leader in person-centered care for individuals with complex needs including intellectual disabilities, autism, ADHD, and acquired brain injuries, with a growing network of designated centers and community-based facilities throughout Ireland.

The company represents a well-established player in the competitive Irish disability services market, competing with both HSE services and other private providers. Their focus on specialized services for complex needs positions them in a premium market segment where clinical expertise and quality outcomes are primary differentiators rather than cost-based competition.
With facilities across multiple counties including Cork and Kildare, and this position based in Longford, the organization demonstrates significant regional expansion and investment in rural service delivery. This expansion pattern suggests strong financial backing and strategic growth planning, indicating job security and potential for career advancement within a growing organization.
The comprehensive benefits package and emphasis on professional development suggest a progressive employer that invests in staff retention and career advancement. The hybrid working model and focus on evidence-based practice indicate a modern approach to healthcare delivery that balances flexibility with clinical excellence, appealing to contemporary healthcare professionals seeking work-life balance.
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